ACCRA – Africa’s shift toward value-added exports gained ground in 2024, as processed foods and fisheries overtook raw commodities in several key markets. According to the Africa Trade Report 2025, cocoa prices reached a historic US$12,565 per tonne, delivering major gains to top producers Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana.
This rise was fueled by adverse climate events and logistical challenges across cocoa-producing nations, tightening global supply and driving demand for African exports—not just in raw form, but increasingly in processed or semi-processed form.
“Africa’s growing emphasis on value addition is transforming its trade model and creating more domestic jobs,” the report emphasized.
Export Transformation in Focus
The West African region alone holds an estimated US$7.23 billion in unrealized export potential—much of it in processed foods and fisheries. But unlocking this value will require modern infrastructure:
- Expanded cold-chain logistics
- Food safety and certification facilities
- Improved intermodal transportation systems
This infrastructure is particularly vital for perishable commodities and cross-border trade.
Egypt Leads in Trade Missions
In North Africa, Egypt emerged as a leader in intra-African exports, with strong performance in:
- Cement and gypsum
- Plastics
- Food products
Egypt also recorded over 205 intra-African trade missions in a single year, actively promoting integration and opening new markets across the continent.
Future Outlook
With the AfCFTA firmly in motion, analysts expect the trend toward processed and higher-value goods to continue. In parallel, the emphasis on reducing Africa’s reliance on raw exports is being matched by increased policy support and financing for export-oriented SMEs.
As logistics infrastructure improves and AfCFTA-aligned protocols are implemented, Africa could see a boom in intra-African consumption of processed goods, stimulating jobs and enhancing food security across the continent.
Source:
African Trade Report 2025 – Afreximbank
